Controlled growth of perovskite microplates arrays for functional optoelectronics

Abstract

In this study, a novel and facile route was utilized to synthesize methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite microplate arrays with uniform morphology and predefined locations. Initially, large-area single-crystalline lead iodide (PbI2) thin sheets were synthesized through a solvent evaporation crystallization method for synthesizing PbI2 thin sheets. These PbI2 sheets were then employed as a seed layer to grow uniaxially aligned arrays of PbI2 microplates through lithographically defined microscale windows in a polymeric film. Thereafter, the PbI2 microplates were further intercalated with methylammonium iodide (MAI) to produce perovskite crystals. Structural and optical characterizations showed that the synthesized materials have a distinct heterojunction structures consisting of MAPbI3 perovskite microplates arrays and the underlying PbI2 thin sheet layer. The two-step process reported herein, which involves the uniaxial growth of PbI2 microplates and their conversion to MAPbI3 perovskite microplates with little dimensional change offers a new pathway for the fabrication of materials for integrated electronic and optoelectronic systems.